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Mexico City between Christmas and New Years

I've been to Mexico City once in the spring and loved it. I have the time to go again between Christmas and New Years with my husband and 12 year old son. Is there enough going on to keep us busy for a three or four day trip? I don't mind being a tourist and will take any recommendations but would also welcome non-touristy suggestions as well. Thank you for any ideas...

Posted by
2 posts

I have been to the pyramids but my family has not. I will take them during the trip. Thank you for your suggestions.

Posted by
2827 posts

Good suggestions from geova. We were extremely impressed by the Archeological Museum - it's really world class and is worth several hours. A walk around Chapultepec Park is nice too. If your son is interested in such things doing some advance research about the Mexican-American War might be worthwhile. There are several sites within the park that played prominent roles in the final battle for the city. Both Grant and RE Lee fought there, as did most of the generals on both sides who later became famous during the Civil War.
Time and interest permitting, a day trip over to the Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary would be an enjoyable (though long) day out. They winter over in Mexico every year - there are millions of them in residence between November and March.

Posted by
361 posts

We also enjoyed the sites mentioned above. If I recall correctly, at the Ballet Folklorico the stage curtain is glass and made by Tiffany and Co. The dancers wear costumes of and perform traditional dances from all the regions of Mexico. Very worthwhile in a beautiful building. We also enjoyed Xochimilco (so?) Gardens. You float thru canals with colourful gardens around you. There are barges that offer food and beverages as well. You can also hire singers for a price. You will be very busy for a three or four day trip. I would prefer 5 days myself.

Posted by
6510 posts

There's more than enough to keep anyone busy in Mexico City over 3-4 days, including the Templo Mayor, the Diego Rivera murals in the National Palace and another gallery near the Alameda, and neighborhoods like the Zona Rosa, Condesa, Polanco, Coyoacan, and San Angel, as well as the sights listed by others. There's a good hop-on-hop-off bus service if you want an overview.

Chapultepec Castle is very interesting, a patriotic site where people like Lee and Grant would not be especially appreciated -- especially today. The park has lots of good walking.

The week between Christmas and New Year's is the height of Mexico's holiday season, and the city will be very crowded with visitors from other parts of Mexico. Some of the major streets in the historic center were closed to vehicles during our visit that week a few years back, and filled with strolling tourists and shoppers (the gift-giving happens on Three Kings Day, January 6). It would be wise to line up your hotel soon. We thought it was a wonderful time to be there.